Vincent Riendeau

About

Former professional hockey player famous for playing as a goaltender with several teams in the National Hockey League, including the Montreal Canadiens, the St. Louis Blues, and the Detroit Red Wings. He also played with international teams like the German club ECR Revier Lowen Ratingen, the Ayr Scottish Eagles of the British Ice Hockey Superleague, and HC Lada Togliatti of the Russian Superleague. After retiring from his playing career, he held positions as a goaltending consultant and coach, and later, as director of goalie development for the Canadiens.

Before Fame

Throughout his youth, he participated in Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments beginning in 1978. He went on to play ice hockey in the junior leagues as well as for Canada's Sherbrooke College. He made his senior career debut after having been signed as an undrafted free agent by the Montreal Canadiens in 1986.

Trivia

He was both the first-ever Canadian and the first-ever former NHL player to sign with a professional team in the Russian Superleague. During his time playing with the Ayr Scottish Eagles, he played in games against members of the Russian Superleague, and he became impressed with their work ethic. He decided to pursue an opportunity with the league and he was able to secure his spot in the year 1999. 

Family Life

After retiring, he moved with his wife and their 3 children to a 100-acre farm located in Quebec, Canada.

Associated With

During the 1989-90 season with the St. Louis Blues, he acted as the team's starting goaltender and was supported by backup Curtis Joseph. He infamously became involved in a physical altercation with Minnesota North Stars player Bob Probert during the 1990-91 playoffs.